fall smoothies, and where should we go?

M and I are in the middle of planing our little fall getaway. We're trying to decide whether we should just go north: Inverness, Bolinas, Point Reyes in search of delicious oysters and gorgeous views, or go down south, looking for warmer weather, and finally organize our fall picnic, we've been talking so much about. We usually hate planning, we just hop into the car and get on the road, but this time our getaway will be very short, so any ideas???

In the mean time, we've been also playing around with smoothies, a lot. Since our CSA boxes have been overflowing with apples, pears, carrots and oranges, more than we could ever eat, we decided to give our healthy summer sippers a little seasonal update.
So here are our three favorite recipes: carrot-apple for our nagging sweet tooth, spicy pear-orange for heat and energy, and heart healthy pomegranate-orange smoothie.

Carrot-apple smoothie is my healthy sugar fix. I usually use 2 small purple carrots, 1 apple, plum and freshly squeezed orange juice or cantaloupe, if available. Blend everything with plenty of ice until smooth. And, if I still want some extra fiber I also add flax seed.

Spicy pear-orange smoothie is my pick-me-up concoction. I mix pear with freshly squeezed orange juice and spice things up with a Thai pepper. I usually just use half of it, as it has a really strong "kick" to it. Blend everything with ice and enjoy it's fiery flavor.

And just in case you missed it, here is the fall smoothie #1, pomegranate-orange:

enjoy!

Posted by M. at 2:40 PM 23 comments

autumn market

I think it's official now! I am completely obsessed with my farmers' market! And each season makes me fall in love with it even more. The past few weeks have been amazing, truly a feast for the eyes. Cute baby pumpkins are popping up everywhere, walnuts, almonds and torpedo onions are just a few of my favorite autumn gems. But last week I couldn't take my eyes off display of hot and sweet peppers from Tierra Vegetables. Neatly arranged in vintage wooden crates, they were tempting with all kinds of colors, shapes and sizes. So, if you're visiting SF now, be sure to stop by their beautiful stand, at the Ferry Plaza Market. Last week was also a week of goodbyes. Some of my favorite vendors, like Green Gulch Farm or White Crane Springs ranch, were taking off for the winter and will not return until next year's late spring. Well, that only gives me an another excuse to finally plan a trip up there.
How is your autumn market? Can you share your favorites? Are you taking photos?

Posted by M. at 12:47 AM 26 comments

coffee cognac cooler

I know, this is not exactly a fall recipe, but if you live in the City, you know, we're nowhere near spiced pumpkin muffins, hot apple ciders or heartwarming soups, yet. While most of you are putting cute fall sweaters on, we're finally getting our chance to wear sandals, summer dresses and enjoy the heat. So, when few days ago, I found myself slurping melted ice cream out of my coffee cup for breakfast, I suddenly remembered there was a coffee cooler recipe, I'd been wanting to try all summer, just couldn't find a perfect evening to match it. This is very elegant and decadent dessert drink, with lots of great flavors and textures. Very easy to make and so impressive, a perfect "sweet ending".

ingredients recipe by Stuart Walton from "The Ultimate Book of Cocktails"

8oz strong dark-roast coffee, chilled

3oz cognac

2oz coffee liquer

2oz heavy cream

2 scoops coffee flavored ice cream

directions

Blend all the ingredients except the ice cream, with plenty of ice. Divide between two tall glasses and top it off with scoop of ice cream. Garnish with chocolate shaving and serve with a spoon.

enjoy!

Posted by M. at 12:30 PM 29 comments

fig and goat cheese tartlets with honey syrup

I think it was early spring, when I found this recipe in a mouthwatering Australian Gourmet Traveller Magazine. It combined some of my favorite flavors: goat cheese, cinnamon, citrus, honey with fresh figs. Made with Phyllo dough, instead of traditional short crust pastry, drizzled with sweet and citrusy syrup, it right away sounded like one of those warm and lazy fall afternoons, that we get here in the City.
Well, it's nice to dream a little, but… it was March, cold and rainy, and figs were nowhere to be found. I added this recipe to my never ending "make-some-day" list, and then waited whole six months to finally try it, but... it was so...so worth it!!!

ingredients (recipe by Lisa Featherby and Emma Knowles)   
500 gm mild, soft goat cheese

275 gm honey

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 orange, finely grated rind and juice only

1 lemon, finely grated rind and juice only

1 egg

5 phylllo dough pastry sheets (13x17in)

90 gm butter, melted and cooled

60 gm raw caster sugar

30 ml dessert wine

8 figs, quartered

directions

Preheat oven to 350F. Process cheese, 75gm honey, cinnamon, rinds and egg in a food processor until smooth and set aside.

Place one filo pastry sheet on a clean work surface, brush lightly with butter, scatter with sugar and place another sheet on top. Repeat until all five sheets are used and then cut them into 6 squares. Divide cheese mixture among squares, then spread evenly leaving less than 1in border. Brush borders with butter, fold up sides, pinch corners to seal and bake until pastry is golden and filling sets (15-20 minutes), then cool on a wire rack.

Meanwhile, combine juices, dessert wine and remaining honey in a saucepan and stir over medium-high heat. Bring to the boil and simmer until syrupy (8-10 minutes), then set aside to cool.To serve, scatter figs over tarts and drizzle with honey syrup.
bon appetit!

Posted by M. at 2:00 PM 36 comments